Many people are surprised that it is possible to get a U.S. passport in one day, but it is true. Of course, it takes a lot of time waiting and can be done only in really large cities that have these capabilities. There are other options, too, such as using expediter services that will handle your passport approval within 24 hours if you are willing to pay. Just because it takes up to six weeks to receive your passport through regular processing doesn't mean that if you are stuck, you can't receive your passport in one day.

Visit the passport agency. If you live in or near the passport agencies in Washington, D.C., New York, San Francisco or another large city, make an appointment and show up to have your passport processed and approved within a day's time. If you don't have an appointment and there is no time slot available, consider showing up and pleading your case.

Prove your situation. Many times you will have to prove why you need the passport so urgently. Proof of your airline ticket or of an emergency situation is all you need to show to have your passport processed. Sometimes not even this information is checked, but it is always helpful to have it on hand.

Complete the appropriate form and pay the fee. When you need your passport approved in one day, there is no room for mistakes so make sure you have the necessary information, fees, documents and the like.

Use an expediter. For those who do not live near one of the large passport processing facilities or for those who just don't have time to deal with it, then there is always the option of a passport expediter. These companies will take your application, fees and personal information and have your passport for you in one day. You have to give the company permission to create the passport and pay a hefty fee, but in most cases it saves money on gas, hotel, food, time and more. If you have waited until the last minute, just let an expediter handle it as they are accustomed to doing so. This service is only available for those renewing their passports.

Pick up your passport or wait for it in the mail. If you apply in person, you will be able to pick up your passport the same day. If you use an expediter service, your passport will be sent overnight to you and you will receive it the next day.

Tip

Apply for your passport early to avoid expedited fees and the stress of one-day passport processing.

About the Author

Laura Rupert Garcia has been a freelance writer since 2002. She holds a B.A. in English from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, as well as an M.B.A. from Campbell University.